Video: The making of the next Greatest Generation’

Monday

Oct 26, 2009 at 12:01 AMOct 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM

Gold Star banners are an honor, yet no family wants to find itself in a position to be handed one. That’s because a Gold Star banner is a Service Flag that represents a family member who died during military service.

Julie Sherwood

Gold Star banners are an honor, yet no family wants to find itself in a position to be handed one. That’s because a Gold Star banner is a Service Flag that represents a family member who died during military service.

Bobbie Metcalfe, a member of the Canandaigua chapter of Blue Star Mothers, an organization for mothers who have children serving or who have served, presents Gold Star banners to families of fallen servicemen and women.

The experience is one she can’t put into words.

“I have never done one without crying,” said Bobbie Metcalfe, a mother of nine. Her son, Spc. Gregory Metcalfe, 24, is in Afghanistan. Her daughter, Army veteran Jennifer Vester, 22, is married to Staff Sgt. Chris Vester, who may soon do a sixth tour in Afghanistan. Metcalfe’s son Damien, 15, wants to join the Marines.

Families like Bobbie Metcalfe’s are not unique. According to the Department of Defense, as of Oct. 3, 2009, there were 4,338 military deaths during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began March 19, 2003.

Some, like 21-year-old David Walker of Irondequoit, the brother of Pfc. Daniel Rivera, who was killed Oct. 18 in Iraq, believe fighting terrorism is worth the potential sacrifice. He plans to follow in his brother’s footsteps and join the Army next spring.

Others, such as Vietnam-era veteran Lou Barnhard, 69, of Clifton Springs, believe it is time for the United States to rethink its military strategy in the Middle East.

“I feel compassion for the people, the families who lose a loved one and that happens too often,” Barnhard said. “I do appreciate what they’re trying to do, but there has to be a limit to the loss of life we’re willing to take.”

Regardless of how long forces stay in Iraq — or, for that matter, Afghanistan — Bobbie Metcalfe knows one thing: This new generation of troops is serving its country with honor, dedication and pride.

“These kids are true heroes,” she said. “They are making the next Greatest Generation.”

In his footsteps

Within days, Bobbie Metcalfe, along with a military casualty officer and possibly other Blue Star volunteers, will present Daniel Rivera’s family with the Gold Star banner.

“You go through these deployments,” she said, referring to the emotions felt by those whose loved ones are in harm's way. “These things happen to our kids, but we are not totally lost.

“We have each other. We are connected to all the other military families.”

“It is an honor to present these banners,” she added. “Because they gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Rivera’s family says his service was an important part of his life. And if he were to die, he wanted his family to go on. According to Rivera’s younger brother, Daniel told them not to be overwhelmed or sad if he didn’t come home alive.

His brother was inspired by his bravery.

“He wasn’t scared of dying,” Walker said.

And now the 21-year-old is preparing to follow his brother into combat; he plans to enlist in the Army in May.

“I am a man of my word,” Walker said, referring to a pact he made with his brother that the two would serve their country.

And now, Walker knows the weight of his promise.

Last Sunday night, Rivera’s family was informed of his death by two colonels, who came to their home. Walker; Daniel Rivera’s mother, Myrian Rivera; and sister Shadel Martinez were sitting in the family room when they heard the knock at the door.

“I just knew,” Walker said. “They didn’t need to say anything.”

Pray for their safety

Fifteen-year-old Brenda Van Etten, a student at Victor High School, where Daniel Rivera attended class, said she doesn’t think the war on terror can be won through force.

“We need to focus on improving our U.S. security. It is impossible to get rid of all of the terrorists no matter how long we fight,” Van Etten said.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, knows a lot of military families. In fact, he belongs to one. His son Britton Kolb, 32, was in the Marine Corps Reserve for six years; his son Clayton Kolb, 31, was an active-duty Marine for four years and is now in the Navy Reserve.

Neither has done a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan. But Kolb said he thinks about those now serving in Iraq or Afghanistan as much as he would his own children. His heart goes out to the Rivera family, he said.

And for all who serve, he added, “I say a prayer every single day for their safety.”

Daily Messenger (Canandaigua, N.Y.)

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